Source: New Zealand Labour Party
Being a dad is one of the most important things in my life. And like every parent, I want my kids to have the best possible childhood.
I want them to have fun, make friends, play sport, try new things and discover what they love. I want them to have the freedom to be kids, without growing up too fast.
And I want that for every child in New Zealand.
Smartphones and social media have changed what it means to grow up. Some of the biggest technology companies in the world are competing for our kids’ attention, and parents are left trying to manage it.
And when money is tight, giving kids other things to do isn’t always easy. Sport fees, uniforms and after-school activities all add up.
We can’t just tell kids to put their phones down. We need to give them something better to do, without a big bill for parents.
That’s why today I announced Labour’s new Keeping Kids Off Screens plan, so we can get more kids outside, being active and having fun with their friends.
We’ll help families with the cost of sport and recreation, with grants of up to $300 a year for two years. And we’ll invest another $4 million each year to support after-school sports and activities.
We’ll set clearer rules for screens in classrooms, so technology is used when it helps kids learn, not simply because it’s there.
We’ll give parents more practical support to keep their children safe online. And we’ll move quickly to ban social media for under-16s, putting the responsibility on the big technology companies, not parents or children.
Our plan means more opportunities for kids to spend time away from screens, without adding to the pressure on family budgets.
Technology has a place in our lives. But it shouldn’t take over childhood.
I want New Zealand to be the best place in the world to raise a family. A place where kids have every opportunity to make friends, try new things and discover what they love.
Let’s help kids be kids for longer.
Read about our Keeping Kids off Screens plan.